Charges forwarded to court against eight arrested in IS-linked terror network

The Prosecutor General's Office (PG Office) has forwarded charges to the Criminal Court against eight persons arrested from a terror network in Th. Thimarafushi with confirmed links to the the Islamic State.

The PG Office revealed that charges had been forwarded to the Criminal Court on 8 February against eight arrested from the terror-network based in Thimarafushi.

The charges being pressed against these eight men include supporting a known terrorist organization under the guise of religiosity on the island of Thimarafushi, championing terrorist causes and justifying acts of terror perpetrated by organizations such as the Islamic State, and operating under instructions from such organizations to organize, perpetrate and support acts of terror on Maldivian soil. These eight persons are further charged with constructing an improvised explosive device (IED) on board the vessel named "Nasaah 3" and attempting to organize a plot use that device to compromise the national security of the Maldives.

The group is alleged to be providing financial support for extremist causes. They were also successful in radicalizing many young children on the island, who eventually turned away from their parents as a result of the group's indoctrination efforts.

Police revealed that they had conducted a special land-and-sea operation in Male' City and Thimarafushi on 11 November 2020, and that six suspects had been arrested in connection to the case. Two others were also arrested from Thimarafushi on 27 November, believed to be associates of the terrorist group operating on the island.

The details of charges pressed against the eight men arrested from the IS-linked terror network in Thimarafushi are as follows;

1. Abdulla Shareef, Th. Thimarafushi, Felividhuvaruge

Charged under Article 7 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Act No. 32/2015) for plotting to execute an act of terror, in addition to charges as presented under Article 16-1 of the Act, for carrying documents suggesting support for a terrorist group, along with charges as presented under Article 15 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, for being an active member of a terror organization.

2. Ahsan Mohamed, Th. Thimarafushi, Asrafvilla

3. Ali Muneex, Th, Thimarafush, Kenereege

Charged under Article 8 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act for supporting acts of terror, in addition to charges as presented under Article 11 of the Act, for acquiring the skills necessary to execute a terror plot, along with charges under Article 16-1 of the Act, for carrying documents suggesting support for a terrorist group

4. Mohamed Aseer, Th. Thimarafushi, Asurumaage

Charged under Article 8 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act for supporting acts of terror

5. Ali Aruham Mohamed, R. Kan'dholhudhoo, Fehivilaa

Charged under Article 7 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act for plotting to execute an act of terror, in addition to charges as presented under Article 16-1 of the Act, for carrying documents suggesting support for a terrorist group, along with charges as detailed under Article 16 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act for preparing to engage in terrorist warfare

6. Shamah Shareef, N. Kudafari, Saima

7. Ibrahim Looth, N. Kudafari, Rose Mead

Charged under Article 7 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Act No. 32/2015) for plotting to execute an act of terror, in addition to charges as presented under Chapter 530 of the Penal Code of the Maldives for obstruction of justice.

8. Abdulla Imaad, R. Maduvvari, Beach House

Charged under Article 7 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Act No. 32/2015) for plotting to execute an act of terror, in addition to charges as presented under Article 16-1 of the Act, for carrying documents suggesting support for a terrorist group. Abdulla Imaad is also charged under Chapter 530 of the Penal Code for obstruction of justice, in addition to charges as presented under Chapter 622 of the Penal Code for Producing or Distributing Obscene Material.